Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him another post of sending indecent material check it out . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming article source setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.